Every parent knows that it’s no fun to try to comfort a sick, scared
child. That’s why hospitals like Methodist Charlton Medical Center in
Texas have found a new way to calm nerves ... with the help of a furry
friend.

For 4-year-old Kendell Beard, a trip to the emergency room is a
frightening experience.

All Kendell knows is that he hurts. It’s tough for Mom to comfort
him.

The knock at the door comes at just the right time.

Officer Victor Byrd / Methodist Charlton Medical Center: “ I found a
little friend wandering outside and he really needs a friend to take
care of him. Can you do that for me?”

Armed with donations from the youth group at First United Methodist
Church in Celina, Texas, police officer Victor Byrd delivers a dose of
comfort. Through the Adopt-a-Bear program, more than 3,000 patients in
Dallas, like 2-year-old Justin Myers, have found furry friends in their
time of need. And the patients aren’t the only ones feeling better.

Shelby Black / First United Methodist Church: “I know it is kind of
scary just being in the hospital because you don’t know what’s going to
happen.”

Joey Cronin / First United Methodist Church: “I wanted to make people
feel better.”

Even Officer Byrd, who is shipping out to serve his country, receives
some cuddly comfort.

Officer Victor Byrd: “It tells me that I have a family to come back
to.”

A little something to hold onto, to make life’s tough times more
bearable.

Creature Comfort – Tag:

While Officer Byrd is deployed overseas, the Adopt-a-Bear program
will continue at the hospital. So far, more than 3,000 bears have been
given away.